Weekend Update - July 17

07-17-2020Weekly Flocknote MessageFr. James Aboyi, V.C.

Thank you to the Knights of Columbus! On behalf of the parish community, I would like to thank the outgoing Grand Knight, Doug Gasser and outgoing officers of our parish Knights of Columbus Council. I thank them for their excellent service to our parish community, the Church and the society through the year. Two historic achievements made by the Knights last year, among many others, include winning the State Knights of Columbus Star Award and the change of name from St. Benedict Council to Fr. Bob Binta Council.

I also congratulate the newly elected Grand Knight, Rudy Cavolina, and the new officers. The installation of the new officers will take place this Saturday, July 18 at 10am. The installation ceremony will be virtual this year due to the current situation with the pandemic.

Update on Offertory Matching Opportunity

I thank the families that have participated in the Offertory Matching Opportunity so far. Our records, as of Wednesday this past week, indicated that 40 families have set up new recurring donations and 45 families have increased their existing recurring donations. I really appreciate your sacrificial giving and thank you all again for helping our parish take advantage of this rare opportunity given to us. We are still in the process of computing the data and will share with you how much we have raised so far when the results are available. Thank you for your patience.

I realized recently that a number of parishioners are surprised to find out that priests do participate in giving to church campaigns and weekly offertory. There is an African proverb that says, “No matter how short a man is, he too can see the sun.” Yes, despite their promise/vow of poverty, some priests do participate in giving to the Church. We need to lead by example. Not to boast, but I am glad I do participate in recurring online giving to both our parish building campaign and diocesan campaign. However, I must be honest with you. I was so moved by the testimonies of many of our parishioners who participated in the gift matching program that I also enrolled for the first time in the recurring online giving to our parish weekly offertory.

Although I cannot share personal information, I would like to share with you some personal testimonies from parishioners regarding their reasons for participating in the Gift Matching Opportunity. A parishioner told me, “Father, I never really like using online giving, but in hearing of this opportunity I have decided that I will set up my online giving for the first time.” Another parishioner shared, “I have not attended Mass at St. Benedict for a very long time, but I felt like helping the parish by participating in this Gift Matching Opportunity.” Another family told me, “Our family has been using the recurring online giving for a long time but we are going to increase our donation this time to help our parish.” I was so moved to hear these and other similar testimonies from some of you that have participated.

It is very difficult for me to emphasize giving financially at this very difficult time, but it is hard to allow this opportunity pass us by. I appeal to those who have not yet participated to consider doing so as soon as possible. Please do not let this opportunity pass us by. I am grateful for the generosity and sacrifice within our parish community.

Thank you so much and have a wonderful weekend.

Fr. James Aboyi, VC
Pastor